About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2025 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2025 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2025 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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10 Best Independent Living Communities in Willow River, MN

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If you’re looking for independent living in the Willow River area, our local senior living advisors can help you each step of the way. From affordable independent living for seniors to luxury options, we’ll work with you to understand the cost of independent living in Willow River. From there, we’ll show you the best independent living communities for your lifestyle, interests, and budget.

Discover unique independent living amenities, social activities, dining, and more independent living benefits. With 70 independent living facilities in Willow River, A Place for Mom makes it easier to find your new, maintenance-free home.

We are also serving Assisted Living facilities in surrounding neighborhoods like Hinckley, Duxbury and Corona.
You may also consider nearby communities such as Hinckley, Duxbury and Corona.

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top3CommunitiesWithLinks: Duluth Heights Lodge Senior Living, New Perspective Cloquet and Barnum and Golden Horizons of Sandstone
zipAveragecost: $2,607

Willow River Independent Living Facilities | 80 Reviews

Showing 43 communities
Last Updated: 11/22/25
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Photo of Duluth Heights Lodge Senior Living
1212 Photos available
9.5
Review score
17 reviews
9.5
Review score
17 reviews
5 star
65%
4 star
29%
3 star
6%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
The staff is wonderful to work with. They are very respectful of my mother and communicate extremely well. She gets level 1 assisted living services now. That staff treats her like family and are always...
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Primrose Retirement Communities in Duluth are centrally located — close to shopping, hospitals, clinics — and provide independent living and assisted living senior care. Our community features spacious, private apartments for senior living!But we're nestled in a quiet woods area so we have...
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Photo of New Perspective Cloquet and Barnum
33 Photos available
8.9
Review score
9 reviews
8.9
Review score
9 reviews
5 star
67%
4 star
22%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
11%
See all reviews
The staff are awesome, very friendly and attentive. They always keep us informed have things are going. Mom is very happy and content with her new home and has made many new friends with the staff and other...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Offering: Assisted Living, Memory CareNew Perspective’s senior living community in Cloquet is located in Carlton County, MN, southeast of Grand Rapids and highway 35. We offer a friendly community of five beautifully designed and custom-built homes. In this small, cottage-like environment,...
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Photo of Golden Horizons of Sandstone
2525 Photos available
8.6
Review score
9 reviews
8.6
Review score
9 reviews
5 star
56%
4 star
33%
3 star
0%
2 star
11%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I would answer 5 on everything except #7 which I would give a 4. Being in a rural area they may have had limited opportunities but I know my father didn't participate in anything which could be more on him...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
See details
Photo of Golden Horizons of Aitkin
1313 Photos available
8.0
Review score
8 reviews
8.0
Review score
8 reviews
5 star
49%
4 star
25%
3 star
13%
2 star
0%
1 star
13%
See all reviews
We liked that it is Golden Horizons is a smaller community & they treat the residents like they are family. Sometimes communication to the family could have been better but for the most part it was good. We...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
The Golden Horizons of Aitkin is a assisted living community located in the beautiful, rustic town of Aitkin, Aitkin County, Minnesota. Here you will get the chance to enjoy the great outdoors, with the various lakes, parks with walking trails, and recreational activities. Whether you love to...
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Photo of Rivers Edge Assisted Living
88 Photos available
8.0
Review score
7 reviews
8.0
Review score
7 reviews
5 star
100%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
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I recently had the pleasure of visiting River's Edge, an assisted living community where my grandmother resides, and I have nothing but positive things to say about it. From the moment I walked in, I was...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
See details
Photo of McGregor Carefree Living
11 Photo available
1.0
Review score
1 review
1.0
Review score
1 review
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
See details
Photo of New Perspective Twin Ports
66 Photos available
5 star
57%
4 star
29%
3 star
14%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Everything is going great! The staff are sure to take care of my father and they make sure that he is comfortable. The facility is also very nice and clean. For the most part, we have no complaints about New...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Offering: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory CareNew Perspective’s Twin Ports senior living community serves seniors in the Superior, WI and Duluth, MN area. The beauty and amenities of our New Perspective | Twin Ports location rivals a fine hotel. Residents are minutes away from...
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Photo of Edgewood Vista - Hermantown
22 Photos available
5 star
62%
4 star
38%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
This is a beautiful community with nice grounds you can walk around. . The staff are friendly and helpful. The marketing person explained everything. They have a lot of activities including bingo and boat...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Edgewood Vista is located in scenic Hermantown, Saint Louis County, Minnesota. This nurturing assisted living community is located on the North Shore right near Duluth. This peaceful community has a lot to offer those that love to live their lives independently. You or a loved one could enjoy...
Photo of Elmhurst Commons
1414 Photos available
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
See details
Photo of Traditions Of Frederic 2
33 Photos available
7.0
Review score
3 reviews
7.0
Review score
3 reviews
5 star
33%
4 star
33%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
34%
See all reviews
My very hard to please dad is very contented there. If you want modern uncomfortable furniture and a fake fireplace this is not your place, but old people like Old styled homey things. The food is homemade...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
If you're looking for assisted living senior care for you elders in the Frederic, WI area, then look no further than Comforts of Home, Memory Care assisted living. Our assisted living community is one of the finest in Frederic and is loaded with amenities including water views as our...
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8.0
Review score
2 reviews
8.0
Review score
2 reviews
5 star
50%
4 star
50%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
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5, we love it. The first thing I remember was it felt like home the community is small and the staff is very friendly my mom is thriving and the meals are very good.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Northern Pines Assisted Living is a quaint assisted living community located in the tranquil town of Pine City, Minnesota in Pine County. Amidst the whispering willows of Pine City, Northern Pines Assisted Living residents can find activities and attractions such as local museums and family...
Photo of Augustana Care Moose Lake Campus
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Photo of Hyva Home
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Suncrest Senior Living
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Diamond Willow Assisted Living of Cloquet
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Photo of Halter Pines Two
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Halter Pines
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of St Clare Living Community of Mora
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of St. Clare Living Community of Mora-The Villag
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Crexway Court
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
You'll be impressed by this impeccably clean, beautifully maintained building, spacious grounds and patio area designed especially for elderly seniors and disabled individuals. There is a large party room with a full kitchen on the first floor and a cheerful day room on both second and third...
See details
Photo of Diamond Willow Assisted Living of Proctor
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Harmony House
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Fairmount
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Looking for an apartment with character and history? Looking for something outside the ordinary vanilla box? Than Fairmount is perfect for you with the rich history of the building. This is a must see place that requires an in-person visit! Call today!

Cost of independent living in Willow River, MN

The average cost of senior living in Willow River is $2,607 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Brook Park, MN with an average of $2,330 per month.

Independent living costs in Willow River, MN, vs. nearby cities

Willow River, MN
$2,607/mo
$2,947/mo

Independent living costs in Willow River, MN, vs. state and national averages

Willow River, MN
$2,607/mo
U.S. national average
$4,016/mo

Independent living costs in Willow River, MN, vs. other senior living options

$4,110/mo
Independent Living
$2,607/mo

Independent living costs in Willow River, MN, by floor plan type

Semi-Private
$4,006/mo
Studio
$4,090/mo
1 Bedroom
$3,786/mo
2 Bedroom
$4,637/mo

Senior living costs in Willow River vs. state and national costs

Cost comparison table showing community type costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column communityType: Community type
Column destination: Willow River, MN
Column state: Minnesota
Column national: U.S.
Community typeWillow River, MNMinnesotaU.S.
Independent Living$2,607/mo$3,081/mo$4,016/mo
Assisted Living$3,975/mo$4,249/mo$4,557/mo
Memory Care$4,110/mo$4,022/mo$4,794/mo
Independent Living
Willow River, MN:$2,607/mo
Minnesota:$3,081/mo
U.S.:$4,016/mo
Assisted Living
Willow River, MN:$3,975/mo
Minnesota:$4,249/mo
U.S.:$4,557/mo
Memory Care
Willow River, MN:$4,110/mo
Minnesota:$4,022/mo
U.S.:$4,794/mo
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Independent living costs in Willow River, MN, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly independent living costs have shifted over the past five years in Willow River and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent quarterly averages of what seniors actually paid after moving into A Place for Mom partner communities.

Willow River, MNMN stateNational

Independent living cost trends in Willow River, MN

The table below shows how monthly independent living costs in Willow River have changed in the last two years and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent averages of actual costs paid by seniors who moved into A Place for Mom partner communities in 2023 and 2024.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column location: Location
Column cost2024: 2024 average cost
Column cost2023: 2023 average cost
Column percentChange: Percent change
Location2024 average cost2023 average costPercent change
Willow River, MN$4,049/mo$3,624/mo+11.7%
Minnesota$2,256/mo$2,334/mo-3.4%
National$2,806/mo$2,774/mo+1.2%
Willow River, MN
2024 average cost:$4,049/mo
2023 average cost:$3,624/mo
Percent change:+11.7%
Minnesota
2024 average cost:$2,256/mo
2023 average cost:$2,334/mo
Percent change:-3.4%
National
2024 average cost:$2,806/mo
2023 average cost:$2,774/mo
Percent change:+1.2%
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Discover the many ways to pay for senior living

Planning ahead can better position you to make good choices for your loved one’s care in the future. But if your aging family member needs care now, there are ways to finance the cost of long-term care through a combination of approaches.

What families are saying about independent living in Willow River

Recent reviews for independent living in Willow River

Golden Horizons of Aitkin

4.8
We chose Golden Horizons of Aitkin initially because the facility was smaller and easier for her to navigate. Mom really wanted to hate it when she got there. But the friendliness of everyone (and the good food) won her over despite her efforts to be miserable.

Rivers Edge Assisted Living in Aitkin, MN

5.0
My grandpa has been living at this assisted living facility for a year now and it has been a wonderful experience. The staff are incredibly attentive and caring, always going out of their way to make sure he is comfortable and well taken care of. The facility itself is well-maintained and has a ...
Read more

New Perspective Twin Ports in Superior, WI

5.0
He is doing good and he loves it in the community. It has all worked out very well. I felt good about it in the beginning and I was hoping for the best. They came through and did really well. We're very happy with the referral A Place For Mom gave us.

Willow River independent living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Willow River independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Willow River, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Willow River independent living

Independent living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Willow River partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Willow River, MNNational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
2.3%
20.5%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
16.3%
34.1%
No sugar
No sugar
9.3%
31.5%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
9.3%
33.6%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
4.7%
8.1%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Willow River independent living

Our independent living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Willow River communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Willow River, MNNational
Professional chef
Professional chef
7%
36.5%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
11.6%
43.5%
Room service
Room service
16.3%
36.9%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
2.3%
17.4%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Willow River independent living

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered independent living communities in Willow River offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Willow River, MNNational
Activity director
Activity director
16.3%
45.3%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
9.3%
28.4%
Community service programs
Community service programs
4.7%
32.8%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
18.6%
49.3%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
23.3%
49.8%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
25.6%
54.9%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
23.3%
43.1%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
11.6%
37.7%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
11.6%
41.7%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
20.9%
47.5%
Live performances
Live performances
23.3%
47.3%
Dances
Dances
14%
32.6%
Fitness center
Fitness center
9.3%
39.8%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
20.9%
47%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Duluth Heights Lodge Senior Living, New Perspective Cloquet and Barnum and Golden Horizons of Sandstone are the top-rated independent living facilities near Willow River, Minnesota. See full list of communities.

There are 70 independent living facilities near Willow River, Minnesota. See the full list.

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The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
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